Just one wee question about DLA.

[macwoozy]

Without yet writing down the answers on the actual form (just draft], I have realised that I've written so much on each question, that I'm going to have to add pages of my own on almost each page.
I've heard that the 'reader' is only allocated 10 mins on each form. With this in mind, do you think I should reduce my masterpiece with the possibility of leaving out what I consider to be vital information, or just leave it as it is, and hope they'll take most of it in. I've already summarised it several times, and it aint getting any smaller.

Just send the lot in. I ended up sending about 20 extra pages when I filled in ds2's form. I have no idea whether it was all read but at least they couldn't deny that they'd been given all the relevant info. :o

Yeh good point

Glad you said that as I just couldn't decide what parts to leave out as it all seems relevant to me.

Could you bullet point headings on the actual form, and put the details on paper, that way they can decide what they should read, so they dont skim it and miss something important.

don't forget to keep a copy for yourself for future reference it'l make it easier next time

I didn't write anything on the actual form, other than a cover paragraph saying "Please refer to the attached document" and timings where relevant. The doc itself was neatly typed with all the exact headings on the form, bullet pointed at the start of each section with Main Difficulties and Additional Care Needed, plus key words highlighted throughout the text for 'scanability'.

The problem with the form is that many sections don't give you a lot of space to write in - psychologically that leads the claimant to give less information than might be required, or to cram it in to such a degree that it becomes untidy and/or illegible. The format doesn't really matter as long as the pen-pusher at the other end can read it easily.

I've heard that in addition to only having about ten minutes per claim, the clerk doesn't read it in full but scans for key words such as 'unable', 'can't', 'difficulty' etc and scores the frequency of use in the margin. Use the right words and you'll end up with a good score (in an ideal world).

And yes, keep a copy to refer to later and for your next claim.

Thanks for all the good ideas, back to the drawing board me thinks. I agree with the lack of space on the forms, how on earth are you meant to give an accurate picture of your childs problems with stupid sized boxes. I'm concerned with getting it right, because when I first made a claim a couple of years ago I was unsuccesful, reapplied with a 4 page letter and got high rate. It's obsurd.